Why Should you switch to a natural deodorant?
Not only is switching to a natural deodorant a great way to reduce plastic in your Bathroom it’s also so much better for you and your body.
And, remember there is also a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants can prevent body odour by killing bacteria, but they cannot prevent sweating. Antiperspirants may contain ingredients to control odour and kill bacteria, but they also contain an aluminium salt that acts to prevent sweating.
Our bodies are designed to sweat to help regulate our temperature so using an antiperspirant that stops this can’t be good for us. Antiperspirants contain aluminium salts which work by combining with the water in your sweat to create a chemical reaction. A gel-like plug is formed and deposited in the sweat ducts. The plug forms a blockage that prevents sweat from reaching the skin’s surface.
There may be a lot of contradictory scientific evidence as to whether normal commercial deodorants and antiperspirants are potentially harmful, and you’ll need to make your own mind up about that. But I know I’m much happier putting natural ingredients onto my skin.
How to switch to a natural deodorant
Once you’ve made the decision to switch to a natural deodorant and chosen the one you are going to use you may think that’s it.
However, there may be a transition period and this can take up to 30 days. This is especially true if you are switching from a commercial antiperspirant to a natural deodorant. This is because it will take your body a while to eliminate the aluminium salts found in antiperspirants that form a gel-like plug and constrict the pores in the underarm to stop you sweating.
You may even find that in the second week your underarm odour increases while your body adjusts. By the 3rd week the odour should start to reduce and by the 4th week your body should be back in balance and you should find that your new natural deodorant is doing a great job.
As with anything, everyone is different and you may find you don’t go through any transition phase or you may find it takes a slightly longer or shorter time than I’ve outlined above.
But at least you now know what to expect.
5 of my favourite Natural Deodorants
There are now so many natural deodorants to choose from but here are 5 of my favourites.
Pitt Putty
Pitt Putty – is a cream based deodorant that comes in a tin. It is an effective natural deodorant, safe for the whole family to use.
Using only 100% natural and vegan ingredients, this innovative product is completely free from harmful chemicals, aluminium oxides and preservatives. A blend of plant oils, butters, naturally mined powders and scented with pure essential oils.
- Lemongrass & Tea Tree – fresh, uplifting lemongrass essential oil and a dash of tea tree for antibacterial treatment.
- Lime, Basil & Mandarin – Citrus lime and fresh mandarin is highlighted with notes of earthy basil in this unisex scent,
- Lavender & Lemon – A scent to relax and heal, with the earthy notes of the flower uplifted with lemon essential oil.
- Three Flowers – Like a bouquet just cut, Three Flowers is a mix of geranium rose oil, lavender and ylang ylang. Sweet and floral.
Your Nature
Your Nature – A 100% Natural Deodorant from yournature.life which comes in a cardboard tube and is similar to a normal roll-on deodorant.
It’s available in a variety of scents such as Lemongrass & Tea Tree, Sandalwood & Bergamot, Lavender & Bergamot, Cedarwood & Grapefruit or Unscented
It doesn’t cantain any aluminium, parabens or carcinogens and allows your skin to breath naturally. It wont block your sweat glands allowing your body to release toxins as nature intended.
And, it’s Vegan Friendly & Cruelty free.
Biork Crystal Deodorant Stick
Biork – People have been using potassium crystal since antiquity. It is particularly favoured in Asia where it is used as a natural antibacterial agent and deodorant. Potassium crystal is a mineral compound made up of alum and potassium crystals – a completely natural product. Sweating is a natural bodily function that regulates body temperature. Many bacteria find sweat zones to be the perfect environment in which to multiply. These bacteria are responsible for unpleasant odour.
Biork crystal deodorant slows the production of bacteria and prevents the build-up of unpleasant odours. It lets the skin breath and perspire naturally.
It’s 100% natural, Vegan, Hypo-allergenic, Fragrance-free and hasn’t been tested on animals.
The container is made of cork and also serves as a protective covering for the crystal. Cork is a renewable resource and is recommended by nature conservation associations. One single natural cork alone binds eight grams of the greenhouse gas CO2. In addition, cork helps to preserve one of the most biologically diverse habitats in Portugal.
Primal Suds No Bo Bar (Deodorant)
Primal Suds – they developed NO BO BARS so there’s no need for any type of “Tubage” so there’s less waste.
With our deodorant bar you can stay fresh in body and soul as it melts in ya pits, not in ya mits.
BLACK NO BO BAR smells like Caveman Black Soap because we use the same essential oils….clever that init and not only lasts for hours in your pits, its lasts for months because its well’ard.
The No Bo Bars are available in:
BLACK NO BO BAR – distinctive, unmistakable spiced scent.
FRESHCOBAR NO BO BAR – is packed with citrusy essential oils for fresh fruity freshness
SMOO NO BO BAR – You know lemon sherbets…smells like that
DIRECTIONS: Allow body heat and friction to allow bar to melt onto skin with a slow deep movement. You can rub on arm to “get it going” if preferred. (it’s recommended to do a small patch test as with anything
All vegan, all natural and pretty amazing 🙂
Meow Meow Deodorant Stick
Meow Meow Tweet – My number five favourite deodorant is from Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet are a New York based company, who produce small-batch, 100% natural, vegan skincare products – you’ll only find plant based, gluten-free, food grade ingredients inside!
But the main reason they make my top 5 is that they make natural deodorants without baking soda. Baking soda: love it, hate it, in a part-time relationship with it? For those less enthused fans, this stick’s for you!
Meow Meow Tweet have created a true dream team of potent plant oils and mineral powders with in a convenient push-up paper tube. No more fingers and sensitive skin woes!
Not only does it work, it’s biodegradable. We’re talking effective and zero-waste… now that’s the cat’s pajamas!
It’s Baking Soda Free, Biodegradable tube, Vegan – Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certified and only contains Organic plant oils and mineral powders that are kind to your body.
Top Tips for Switching
And, just to finish off here are some of my top tips for switching to a natural deodorant:
- Be patient and give it time to work
- Wash off every night and sleep without any deodorant to give your body a rest
- Don’t use too much
- Stop using if you find it’s irritating your skin, some people are sensitive to Baking Soda but by washing it off each night and not using too much should help
- Try different deodorants until you find the one that suits you
- Don’t give up, it will be worth it 🙂
I’d love to hear if you’ve switched to a natural deodorant and if so what’s your favourite.
Thank you for all of the brand recommendations! I received a natural deodorant sample in a Birchbox and have been using it this summer and I’m converted 🙂
I’ve never thought of switching to a natural one so it’s great to know that the option is out there. Looks like a great selection as well.
I actually didn’t know that there was so many options. Thanks for a bit of education!
Oh this is a great post for me, I use a very strong deodorant and I hate the thought of what its doing to my body. But I sweat so much, worth giving these a go
I don’t actually use deodorant on a regular basis, only when it’s really hot in summer. I will definitely be checking out natural deodorants though for when I next need one.
I have never tried a natural deodorant although I have always wanted to as I didn’t like the thought of all the chemicals I was putting on my body. I was just never sure which natural deodorant to buy so this post is very helpful.
Biork is a must try product. I always wanted to try this and I have heard a lot about this before and been looking for this one.